Kidnapping suspect arrested in Paramount following harrowing attack

Savannah Ray Reynolds, Multimedia Journalism Intern

Original Story: https://myvalleynews.com/blog/2024/12/27/woman-survives-tasing-and-attempted-kidnapping-bites-off-suspects-finger/

A Temecula woman narrowly escaped a kidnapping attempt on Wednesday, December 17, 2024, in an ordeal that left her injured and led to the eventual arrest of the suspect, authorities said.

The incident began when Erin Quinn, a Temecula resident, responded to a text from a person identifying themselves as “Connie,” who claimed they wanted to donate gifts to Quinn’s Christmas drive benefiting Project Touch. Upon arriving at the location provided, Quinn left her car unlocked and approached the door to collect the supposed donation.

After waiting for some time, Quinn returned to her vehicle, where she said she was ambushed by her former housekeeper, 44-year-old Olga Mendez of Menifee, who had been hiding inside. Mendez reportedly tased Quinn multiple times and forced her to drive while the victim screamed for help.

The confrontation escalated as Quinn struggled with Mendez. During the tussle, Quinn managed to pull off Mendez’s wig, recognizing her former housekeeper, and bit off part of Mendez’s finger when it was placed in her mouth. The struggle culminated in a crash near Olive Avenue and Leon Road in Winchester.

Deputies were dispatched to the scene at approximately 9:58 a.m. on December 18 in response to reports of a domestic dispute. Upon arrival, they determined it was a kidnapping and assault with a deadly weapon. Quinn was transported to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, while Mendez fled the scene before authorities arrived.

The Perris Station Special Enforcement Team took over the investigation, eventually identifying Mendez as the suspect. On December 27, deputies located and arrested Mendez in Paramount, Calif. She was booked into the Cois Byrd Detention Center on charges of kidnapping, assault with a deadly weapon, criminal threats, and two unrelated warrants.

Below are the charges: